Doughnuts are one of the most beloved treats around the world. The soft, fluffy texture, combined with the sweet glaze and endless flavor options, make them a perfect indulgence for breakfast or dessert. However, traditional deep-fried doughnuts can be quite heavy and high in calories. Luckily, there is a healthier alternative that still allows you to enjoy this classic treat – making doughnuts in an air fryer. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making delicious doughnuts in an air fryer, providing you with a guilt-free and tasty option.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you start making doughnuts in an air fryer, you need to gather the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the doughnuts:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons milk
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Making the Dough
To start making the doughnuts, you should first combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Next, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in dense doughnuts. The dough should be sticky but still manageable. If it’s too wet, you can add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Shaping and Air Frying the Doughnuts
Once the dough is ready, it’s time to shape the doughnuts. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two differently sized round cookie cutters to shape the doughnuts. Press the large cutter into the dough to create the outer shape of the doughnut, then use the smaller cutter to remove the center.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. While it’s preheating, place the shaped doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once preheated, carefully transfer the doughnuts to the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Cook the doughnuts in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes. After the initial cooking time, carefully flip them using tongs or a spatula. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Glazing and Serving the Doughnuts
While the doughnuts are air frying, you can prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less milk, depending on your preference.
Once the doughnuts are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. While they’re still warm, dip each doughnut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the glazed doughnuts on a wire rack to set, allowing the glaze to harden for about 10 minutes.
Now your homemade doughnuts are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm or at room temperature, and feel free to get creative with your toppings. Sprinkles, toasted coconut, or crushed nuts are all great options to add an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Making doughnuts in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy this classic treat while reducing the amount of oil and calories typically associated with deep-frying. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can create delicious, healthier doughnuts in no time. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, dessert, or as a special treat, homemade air fryer doughnuts are sure to satisfy your cravings without the guilt. So why not give it a try and enjoy this twist on a classic treat?